Apple Inc. has undergone leadership changes within its hardware team, particularly in the realm of audio features for AirPods, Macs, and other devices. According to a report, Gary Geaves, the vice president overseeing acoustics, is stepping down from his position, with Ruchir Davé set to take over.

The hardware team, comprising roughly 300 employees, holds a crucial role in Apple's growing AirPods and speaker businesses. They are also responsible for managing audio testing labs situated at Apple’s Silicon Valley headquarters.

This leadership transition comes amidst recent shifts within Apple’s hardware engineering group, led by John Ternus. Tang Tan, the vice president overseeing product design for iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, has recently exited the company.

Geaves, a long-time Apple employee who joined in 2011, will remain with the company in an advisory capacity, reporting to Matt Costello. Notably, Apple is gearing up to introduce updated models of AirPods in the near future. With AirPods contributing over $15 billion in revenue annually and dominating the personal audio market, the acoustics team's contributions are integral to Apple's success in this sector.

Furthermore, the acoustics team is actively involved in exploring new product avenues, such as a wall-mounted smart display and a combined iPad-HomePod device. These endeavors highlight Apple's ongoing commitment to innovation and expansion beyond its core product offerings.

Overall, the leadership changes within Apple's hardware team underscore the company's strategic focus on advancing its audio technology and diversifying its product lineup. As Apple continues to evolve, these developments signal its determination to maintain its position as a leader in the tech industry.